Wednesday, October 20
General Session
9:00am - 11:00am
Keynote Speaker
Ruth E. Foster Lectureship Sponsored by Premier Pet Products
The Umwelt of the Domestic Dog: Imagining the Dog's Point of View
The subject of cognitive studies, behavioral experiments, obedience classes, and owner attention, the domestic dog has been examined from a myriad of perspectives except his own. In this talk, I discuss the "umwelt" of the dog; his point of view. Practical understanding, as well as results from canid research, can be brought to bear in forming a coherent sense of what it is like to be a dog.
I will draw from numerous sources to form a picture of the dog's umwelt. Recent work in cognitive psychology has provided data about the sensitivities of dogs to the attention and gaze of humans. Analysis of training techniques reveals what is salient to the dog about human requests and behavior. An understanding of dogs' different sensory capacities highlights the parallel universe that they experience living two feet off the ground.
This new understanding of the dog's umwelt can, properly applied, be used to inform new approaches on how we think about the research and training of dogs.
11:00am - 11:30am
Awards Ceremony
11:30am - 1:00pm
Lunch on Your Own
1:00pm - 4:15pm
The WOW & HOW of Dog Training
Description to come.
4:15pm - 5:00pm
General Membership Meeting
5:30pm - 6:00pm
Puppy Welcome
6:00pm - 7:30pm
Welcome Reception
Thursday, October 21
General Session
Symposium: A Dog's Mind - Thoughts and Emotions
9:00am - 9:45am
Are You Thinking What I'm Thinking? An Introduction to the Central Questions in Cognition and Emotion in Dog Behavior
9:45am - 10:45am
The Origins of the Scientific Study of Puppy Love: A Literature Review and History of the Field
Human experience of dogs has a history of at least 4,000 years—the written history of dog training goes back over 2,000 years. And yet psychologists only started taking the behavior of dogs seriously as a research subject in 1998.Those first studies indicated that what most people feel about their animals really is true: pet dogs have an exceptional sensitivity to human cues. I shall review the scientific literature on dogs' responsiveness to human beings, and set it in the context of how well other species, particularly humans' closest relatives, chimpanzees, respond to humans. Dogs have a remarkable set of sensitivities to what humans do. Dogs follow human gestures to find desired food and other objects, dogs are sensitive to whether they are being watched or not when they decide whether or not to obey a command, and they are also sensitive to human's gaze direction when deciding from whom to beg for treats. Some exceptional dogs understand hundreds of words. Rather than a list of skills, I shall attempt an integration of how dogs understand their humans.
11:00am - 12:00pm
New Discoveries about Dogs' Understanding of Humans
- To identify evidence demonstrating the importance of development, environment, and experience for canine responsiveness to human action.
- Participants will learn how a dog’s behavior in the presence of human action fits into a broader biological and experiential framework.
- Participants will learn how scientific research on human-canine interactions can improve our understanding of domestic dogs; including the growing potential for practical applications.
As discussed in Dr. Wynne's session, research on dogs' understanding of humans has demonstrated that pet dogs are often highly responsive to human behavior, including gesturing and attentional state. Early on we felt that several important questions deserved more attention. First, what were dogs really paying attention to when watching humans? Second, was the behavior of pet dogs living in human homes truly representative of the wider range of dog populations, including stray dogs and other non-pet populations, and how did their behavior compare with wild canids such as wolves. This meant breaking down the terms "dog" and "human gesture" into the smaller categories. For example, which human gestures or actions were dogs most responsive to, and were there unifying elements to these gestures that a dog relies on more generally such as size or movement? What's more, could a dog’s home environment, testing environment, or context reliably predict responsiveness to human action? I will discuss the outcome of a series of experiments investigating the social behavior of pet dogs in different contexts.
12:00pm - 1:30pm
Lunch on Your Own - Roundtable Discussions
1:30pm - 3:00pm
When Human- Canine Realities Collide: Human and Canine Cognition and Emotion as These Relate to Problem Canine Behaviors
This presentation will consider the practical implications of cognition and emotion for those engaged in canine behavioral work. We will explore findings from both studies of the effects of the human-animal bond and those regarding canine cognition, emotion, and domestication. We will also examine the value of this combined awareness when diagnosing canine behavioral problems and formulation of treatment programs that meet both human and canine needs. We will also discuss the skills necessary to effectively integrate these additional dimensions into diagnostic and treatment protocols.
3:30pm - 5:00pm
Moderator: Dr. Patricia McConnell
5:00pm - 8:00pm
Trade Show Grand Opening
Friday, October 22
APDT Rally Sanctioned Obedience Trial
4:00 pm
APDT Rally Sanctioned Obedience Trial
Open to all dogs of any breed
(including mixed!!)
Hands-On Workshop
Training Dogs with Fun & Games
 Pre-Registration Required
Transportation Provided
Handlers - $65.00 (limit 40)
Observers - $40.00 (limit 15)
Register on-line or by registration form.
NOTE: Also offered on Saturday, October 23 at 8:00am - 12:00pm |
Clients who have attended your training classes are an excellent resource for advertising your business and bringing in new clients. Do they tell their friends and neighbors about all the things their dog learned in class? Do they tell people how much FUN they had in class while they were learning?
Training classes become more motivating and fun for both trainers and clients when games are a part of the curriculum. Workshop attendees and shelter dogs will participate in a variety of games and activities designed to reinforce basic obedience skills and keep clients coming back for more!
Interactive Workshop
Pre-Registration Required
Participants - $25.00 (limit 50)
Register on-line or by registration form. |
Association Governance and Leadership: An APDT Leadershop
9:00am - 12:00pm
It is not uncommon for Boards of Directors to struggle with questions about their role. Boards have historically been comprised of members with more experience in management than governance leadership. Often prior Board experience has been more local and regional than national. Leadership experience has therefore been focused on day-to-day decisions and problem solving, rather than the broad, strategic directions and vision of the enterprise. As a result, such Board Members tend to stray into operational or tactical decisions that are the purview of management. This presentation explains how 21st Century Boards of Directors can think and act more strategically about the organization's future and use member input to help design the organization's future. Boards lead the organization and CEO rather than micro-managing. We will explore how Boards are able to maintain close oversight on performance and reduce skirmishes over the details of management operations. We will also explore the Board's responsibility for "leadership succession" in the development of future Board Members and the development of leadership for the profession overall.
This interactive session will outline the expectations for effective governance in the 21st Century with specific focus on quality of board makeup, oversight, strategy, and leadership succession. Boards of Directors of all organizations are being challenged to confront the chaotic new future presenting itself in this century and participants will be able to see how their current understanding of governance compares to the latest models of governance leadership.
Live-Demo Workshop
Feisty Fidos® Reintegrating Them into the Canine Community
9:00am - 1:00pm
Pre-Registration Required
Transportation Provided
Participants - $65.00 (limit 55)
Register on-line or by registration form.
NOTE: Also offered on Sunday, October 24 at 8:00am – 12:00pm |
Owning an aggressive dog is very disturbing to owners. It can also be a difficult problem to resolve. People are embarrassed and do not know what to do when their dog is lunging at another dog. Consequently, many of these dogs are isolated from other dogs for the rest of their lives, surrendered to shelters, or euthanized.
Over the past decade, Pia has seen an increase in the number of dog-to-dog aggression cases. Why is there an increase? Can these dogs ever be re-introduced into the canine community? Is this what the owner really wants, or do they just want to be able to take their dog into public with some confidence that fights will not occur?
Obviously, these dogs cannot go into our main stream classes since they can be a disruption to other dogs and people. The client may be embarrassed by the way the dog is behaving and drop out, or the learning process may be inhibited as a result of the arousal and stress level of the dog. It is our job, as trainers, to help these clients find a way to help their loving pet in order to avoid relinquishments to shelters. These dogs are typically emotionally and physically stretched beyond what the average dog owner will ever understand. They need our help! If we do not give them guidance and proper outlets, the chances of these dogs living their lives in solitude increase.
If you conduct a reactive dog class or are thinking about introducing one into your programs, you will want to attend this workshop. Pia has been conducting Feisty Fidos® classes for over 10 years, with great success. This workshop will give you an opportunity to watch and learn as Pia demonstrates some of the exercises taught in her classes with dogs that are “feisty." There will be plenty of time to ask questions and gather new ideas.
Hands-On Workshop
Polish Up Your Training Chops!
1:00pm - 5:00pm
Pre-Registration Required
Transportation Provided
Handlers - $90.00 (limit 48)
Observers - $50.00 (limit 12)
Register on-line or by registration form.
NOTE: Also offered on Saturday, October 23 at 1:00pm - 5:00pm. |
This Hands-On workshop offers a chance to polish your training chops working with dogs under the guidance of three skilled instructors. You will work with each speaker during this fast-paced workshop.
Learn how an accurate assessment of an individual dog’s needs, preferences, and sensory sorting can help you tailor your training approach and methods for the greatest success.
Practice providing a safe “off lead” environment anywhere, anytime, while promoting equipment-free training for that dog and handler.
Take home to your clients new techniques for teaching loose-lead walking. Sharpen your observation and handling skills to fine tune your timing and training choices. This workshop will polish your skills while putting some new tools in your training toolbox.
Concurrent Sessions: 9:00am - 12:00pm
The Dog Vinci Code - Decoding Your Dog's Behavior 
This course is about how to decode your dog's behavior, how a dog learns, and why dogs do what they do. This course will enhance your knowledge of dogs by understanding human and canine psychology and promoting responsible dog ownership. John examines dog behavior, common problems that can arise, and solutions to regaining control. John shows how to control and or modify a dog's behavior by understanding the cause of a problem. He gives practical advice on how to strengthen the bond between owner and dog. You will learn how to communicate with, and motivate your clients to get the most out of their relationship with their dog.
Questions Asked & Answered: Testing, Observing & Evaluating
At the heart of all work with animals are observations. Whether we are making training decisions or evaluating an animal, we are only as good as our observation skills allow. Observation can vary from a descriptive narrative of what was observed to a detailed record of dyadic interactions to time interval “snapshots†of what was happening during a specific time frame. The language we use about what we observe can be varied, depending on what we need to convey and to whom.
There is a need for trainers, shelters, rescues, and breeders (private and organizational) to evaluate dogs of various ages. Appropriate and meaningful testing can aid individuals and organizations in the selection and placement of puppies and dogs in suitable homes and work environments. Several novel tests such as the Clothier Puppy Test and the IFT test (developed for and in use by Guiding Eyes for the Blind), will be presented.
Knowing how to see what you need to see to is key to humane training and evaluations. When we perform an evaluation, we are looking for answers from the dog. We must be sure that the questions we ask lead to those questions. Often, the questions are muddy or “big buckets†with confounded behaviors that may or may be co-morbid. Being clear about the questions and asking detailed “questions†in several ways allows for more effective testing.
Training and testing are not synonymous. This presentation will clarify the differences between the two, as well as highlight common cognitive errors that may affect our thinking and actions. Creating appropriate and humane provocations is possible when we are clear about the questions, the answers and how we articulate our observations.
Making the Leap from Pet Training to Dog Sports Competition Training 
Upon completion of this workshop participants will be able to:
describe the 6 most popular dog sports and activities, examine the need for dog sports competition training among their own client base, and determine the most appropriate sports and activities to implement in their current programs.
Competitive dog sports promote teamwork and helps owners build stronger relationships with their dogs. Learn how adding dog sports and competition level classes to your training programs can not only open up a whole new client base, but also increase revenue and give you that competitive edge in the dog training market.
It's a known fact, people and dogs that work and play together, stay together. Unfortunately as pet dog trainers, we only have our students and clients with us for 6 months to a year on average. Once they've completed their basic manners classes and/or earned their CGC's, they disappear. Is there a way to keep our students and clients coming back month after month and year after year? Yes, and competition dog sports and activities is the answer! Training for dog sports competition isn't just about awards and ribbons. It promotes teamwork and builds a strong bond between the human and their canine partner that can last a lifetime. Implementing competition level classes to your current training schedule can open up a whole new client base leading to increased revenue and longevity in your community. This workshop will show you how!
Knowledge is Power: Applied Research on Dog Training and Behavior 
The participant will be able to describe the difference between comparative and descriptive studies and their usefulness. The participant will be able to outline at least three important considerations for creating a new study.
This session will start with an overview of commonly used study types in dog training (cognition) and behavior research. These examples will provide a jumping off point for understanding how good studies are designed, carried out, and reported. The process for creating a new study will be illustrated as well. You will learn how to use the scientific method to assess and improve your own classes, and evaluate your behavior caseload. The audience will be asked to write down some additional study ideas during the first half of the presentation. During the second half, these ideas will be presented and the basics for creating a good study to answer these questions will be covered.
12:00pm - 1:30pm
Lunch on Your Own - Roundtable Discussions
Concurrent Sessions: 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Turning the Tide
In this session we will re-evaluate the traditional dog training classes that we run. We will examine individual exercises and the way that we train them, and take an in depth look into what the non dog-loving public would like us to teach in classes. We will also investigate the history of why and how we train dogs and discuss science versus common sense.
John will discuss the current worldwide situation where the humble pet dog is rapidly becoming an endangered species . If we all pat ourselves on the back and say that we are getting our training classes and behavior programs right; then why are we building more shelters, having more breed bans, and more restrictions placed on the freedoms we used to enjoy as dog owners? If we are getting it right, why are more governments coming up with more laws to protect people from what used to be man's best friend? The session will look at why this has occurred and where it all started to go wrong. In the USA, for example, despite the ever increasing number of professional dog trainers, behaviorists and veterinary behaviorists, aggression in dogs is spiraling out of control. We are seeing exactly the same trend in the UK. This session is aimed at breeders, class instructors, behaviorists, groomers, or anyone that has an interest in promoting the benefits of owning a well-behaved companion dog. If you are a pet dog owner, in any country of the world, you are in a minority. The majority of people living in the country where you reside actually don't care for dogs. We will investigate ways that everyone involved in the dog world can help to turn the tide of anti-social feelings towards dogs and their owners.
We will examine fundamentally changing the way we run training classes which are all traditionally based on competition obedience. We will discuss how our ancestors could train dogs without choke chains, shock collars, bait bags, and clickers. Other topics covered include; Breed standards and how they affect behavior; Children, dogs, and bite prevention programs; and a wake up to the real world of pet dogs and their very confused owners.
Dogs and Dominance: An Ethological Perspective Part 1
The learner will develop an understanding of dominance theory as it applies to a variety of species. The attendee will recognize the pitfalls encountered when applying dominance theory to a captive domesticated species, such as the dog. The participant will be able to identify ritualized displays and other behaviors that are suggestive of the psychological health of individual dogs.
Dominance hierarchies exist amongst the majority of group-living social animals as a means for settling ownership and minimizing conflict. The simple linear hierarchy of chickens led to the “pecking order,” in which the most dominant animal wins over all others. Observations of captive wolves suggested their packs were similarly organized. Dog behaviorists, wishing to draw parallels between dogs and wolves, perpetuated the belief that dogs were naturally inclined to arrange themselves in a pecking order. Many still swear by this view while others reject it in its entirety. I argue that both positions are misguided and we need a scientifically-valid understanding of how dogs decide upon and enforce social rules. A handful of studies have documented the development of dominance hierarchies in puppies, but we lack observations of adult dogs living in artificially created social groups. A recent study suggests that dog social structure is remarkably flexible. Furthermore, most dogs’ social groups also consist of humans. How, if at all, do they extend their social rules to include us? It’s hard to argue that dogs don’t view us as members of a shared community. Dogs clearly respond appropriately to us mimicking some of their submissive and dominance displays. But do they integrate us into their social ranking order or do we have a qualitatively different relationship with our dogs? The objective of this talk is to forge a new path that acknowledges some form of dominance structure in the dog but does not prompt us into antagonistic relationships with them.
The Evolution of the Cognitive Dog
Two questions regarding the human mind challenge evolutionary theory: (a) What features of human psychology have changed since humans' lineage split from that of the other apes such as chimpanzees and bonobos? And (b) what was the process by which such derived psychological features evolved (e.g., what were the selection pressures)?
Studying domestication and its effect on psychology provides a potential window into the process by which problem solving can evolve. Comparisons between dogs, wolves and foxes suggest that selection on emotional-reactivity can shape social problem solving skills.
Dr. Hare will review the work with canids that suggests the emotional-reactivity hypothesis while presenting findings of comparisons between bonobos and chimpanzees that supports the hypothesis that bonobos - like dogs - have been shaped by selection on emotional reactivity. As a result, I will argue that studies of dog psychology have already shaped current thinking regarding the evolution of problem solving skills and that future research with dogs will provide a powerful, affordable and ethical way to continue studying cognitive evolution - including the process that shaped the psychology of our own species.
Family Track
Look Mom! A Puppy!" Doing Your Part to Teach Dog Bite Prevention to Kids
- Identify and examine why children get bit and how it's our job to educate them.
- How to create a memorable and entertaining Dog Bite Prevention Seminar for kids of all ages.
- How to market and promote your seminar in order to make a real change within your community.
Statistics show dog bites, specifically to children, are on the rise. These numbers are alarming. What are the Pet Professionals in your community doing to reduce these injuries? This session encourages you to be proactive in dog bite prevention in your community! This seminar will first help you to understand the most common situations in which children get bit. It will then explore ways, using video examples of different seminars, to create a Dog Bite Prevention seminar that can be modified to reach children of all ages. Attendees will leave this session prepared to create their own memorable and entertaining Dog Bite Prevention Seminar. Lastly, this session will include tips and suggestions on how and where to promote and market their potentially life saving Dog Bite Prevention seminar.
Interactive Workshop
Canine DNA Discussion: Understanding Breed Composition and Traits in Dogs
Pre-Registration Required
Participants - $25.00 (limit 50)
Register on-line or by registration form. |
Participants will learn to understand basic genetic concepts: DNA, genetic markers, alleles, dominant and recessive traits. Attendees will learn how mixed-breed dog analysis works and how to use the results to better understand a dog’s physical and behavioral traits. We will also discuss traits such as coat color, size, hair length, and how they are inherited in dogs.
Have you ever wondered why a mixed-breed dog looks or acts the way it does? Where exactly does Rover came from? This discussion session will review basic genetic concepts as well as cover some of the recent developments in trait genetics and breed identification testing in dogs.
Recent advances in veterinary genetics, including sequencing the canine genome, has lead to many new and exciting discoveries. The appropriate understanding, and utilization of this knowledge and the available tools, can improve your client’s bond with their companion and assist in the development of a training plan. We will also cover the use of the Wisdom Panel breed identification testing in dogs to better understand their physical traits and behaviors.
Hands-On Workshop
Pre-Registration Required
Transportation Provided
Handlers - $65.00 (limit 30)
Observers - $40.00 (limit 20)
Register on-line or by registration form.
NOTE: Also offered on Saturday, October 23 at 9:00am – 1:00pm |
Canine Cross Training: Foundation Skills for All Dogs
This hands-on workshop will give you the tools to teach your own Canine Cross Training classes. During this workshop we will work and play with shelter dogs and, using the tools of positive reinforcement, do some canine cross training. We'll discover what skills each dog already has. We will consider what we might teach, and, in the time we have, devise a training plan. We'll do some fun cross training exercises suitable for all dogs and immerse ourselves in dog behavior, learning and fun.
Concurrent Sessions: 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Advanced Lure/Reward Training: Off-Leash Verbal Control Without the Continued Use of Food
Participants will learn to achieve reliable off-leash verbal control at a distance, with distractions, without the continued need for training aids. Attendees will be taught how to train off-leash from the outset without physical prompts, restraint (e.g., leashes, training collars, halters, or harnesses), or any punishment device, so that these training tools do not become permanent management tools. We will discuss how to phase out food lures in the first session and to replace them with Life Rewards to produce an internally-reinforced and self-motivated dog.
Lure-reward training is the quickest way to gain verbal control and off-leash reliability. Food lures are phased out in the very first session and food rewards quickly replaced with Life Rewards, which are anything really good, especially, continuing frequently interrupted walks and play. Hard-to-phase-out training aids, such as physical prompts, physical restraints and punishment devices never become "crutches" because they are never used.
Most owners quickly master puppy socialization, beginning lure/reward training and beginning clicker training but few manage to finish the job and produce a confident and friendly adult dog that is under reliable, off-leash verbal control. Instead, most temporary training tools become permanent management tools (food lures, clickers, food rewards, leashes, metal collars, shock collars, halters and harnesses). For many dogs, reliable performance depends on the owner having treats in their hand or food pouch, a hand on the leash, or a thumb on the shock button. A definition of training could be, that the dog continues to consistently respond immediately following a single request once all training aids have been phased out. All Lure-reward training is off-leash, and gradually and progressively increases distance and distractions. Early on, a prompt and reliable response following a single request becomes mandatory. Ongoing differential reinforcement ensures that reliability and quality of performance continually improve. Performance reliability and precision are maintained and protected via a three-tier system that: Allows dogs (and owners) to chill out and relax most of the time, Reliability on-demand, and ultra mega high-reliability, precision and pizzazz on-demand. DogCon 1-2-3 is simple, pretty cool and extremely effective.
Dogs and Dominance: Diagnosis and Treatment of Dominance Aggression Part 2
This is Part Two of a talk by Dr. Pamela Reid (Dogs and Dominance: An Ethological Perspective) Through exploration of the literature, attendees will learn about the range of diagnostic criteria for dominance aggression, as well as various treatment strategies purported to resolve this behavior problem. Participants will use this new information to form their own opinions about the validity of “dominance aggression” as a diagnosis, and the efficacy of recommended treatments.
According to scientific literature, dominance aggression is a pervasive problem in dogs. As we discussed during Dogs and Dominance, Part One, drawing conclusions about canine dominance hierarchies and their application to the dog-owner relationship is no easy task. To further complicate matters, differing opinions about diagnostic criteria make confident recognition of dominance aggression quite challenging. We will explore these criteria, focusing on the behavior and body language that indicate dominance aggression, as well as the possible roles that breed, age, sex and reproductive status play in its development. We will also tackle a second point of contention: once you identify dominance aggression, what should you do about it? There is much dissent among trainers and behaviorists regarding appropriate treatment. We will review various behavior modification strategies, including: restructuring the dog-owner relationship, obedience training, desensitization and counterconditioning, response substitution, closed-economy programs (e.g., “Nothing in Life Is Free”), punishment, surgery and pharmacologic therapy. Finally, taking into account what we know about dominance in dogs from an ethological perspective, in addition to what we know about diagnosing and treating dominance aggression, we will consider some important questions. Is dominance aggression a valid diagnosis? Is there really a distinct behavior problem encompassing the constellation of diagnostic criteria outlined in the literature? If so, should we consider canine social structure when developing treatment recommendations? If not, why not—and what are our alternatives?
Family Track
Canine-Assisted Play Therapy: How Dog Trainers Can Help
Participants will be able to:
- Describe the essential nature of Canine-Assisted Play Therapy (CAPT).
- Identify a wide range of canine behaviors valuable in the CAPT process.
- Assist child/family therapists who wish to train their pet dogs for CAPT work.
Interactions between children and dogs, especially playful ones, can assist with a wide range of therapeutic objectives for distressed children, including the building of skills, competence, and confidence; facilitating healthy attachment relationships; and strengthening self-regulation. Professional interest in the separate fields of animal-assisted therapy and play therapy has been growing rapidly, as have the number of studies demonstrating their effectiveness. The importance and power of play for healthy child development is well-established, and because many dogs are easily motivated to play, it seems natural to combine these two fields for maximum therapeutic benefit. Cross-species therapeutic play can enhance therapy for children, provide an enjoyable outlet for the dogs, and prevent maltreatment of dogs by children with serious problems.
This presentation covers the background for this blended approach of AAT and play therapy, the specialized training needed for the canines/handlers, and examples of the wide range of interventions that can be used in CAPT. The importance of positive dog training is emphasized to provide appropriate models for children. Video and live demonstrations illustrate the variety of canine skills and techniques used in CAPT. Emphasis is placed on the ways that dog trainers can assist therapist/owners and their dogs in preparing for this type of exciting work.
What Can Behavioral Science Do For Dog Trainers?
Through exploring the literature, participants will learn about the past and current research which has been published on dog training. Participants will learn how to identify variables with the functional analysis method. Attendees will also learn how to use research method to assess different training methods.
In developing lines of research that will serve the dog training community, we seek to find a deeper understanding of the factors that underlie behavior and thereby allow us to better predict and modify behavior. Although in recent decades there has been wider dissemination of basic scientific principles of behavior, there has been very little empirical research on important aspects of dog behavior. Here we present some of our own recent studies on dog behavioral problems.
Often the environmental factor that maintains a problem behavior may simply be assumed. We have recently adapted a procedure for dogs, which was originally developed to identify the maintaining consequences for problem behavior in humans. We will describe this method in detail and demonstrate how it can be used with some dog problem behaviors. We will also describe our second line of research, which investigates the effectiveness of clicker training. Despite its growth in popularity in the last two decades, very few empirical research papers have been conducted on the effectiveness of clicker training compared to other positive reinforcement methods. This presentation will describe the methods and result of this study.
Saturday, October 23
Hands-On Workshops
Training Dogs with Fun & Games
Pre-Registration Required
Transportation Provided
Handlers - $65.00 (limit 40)
Observers - $40.00 (limit 15)
Register on-line or by registration form.
NOTE: Also offered on Friday, October 22 at 8:00am – 12:00pm |
Clients who have attended your training classes are an excellent resource for advertising your business and bringing in new clients. Do they tell their friends and neighbors about all the things their dog learned in class? Do they tell people how much FUN they had in class while they were learning?
Training classes become more motivating and fun for both trainers and clients when games are a part of the curriculum. Workshop attendees and shelter dogs will participate in a variety of games and activities designed to reinforce basic obedience skills and keep clients coming back for more!
Pre-Registration Required
Transportation Provided
Handlers - $65.00 (limit 30)
Observers - $40.00 (limit 20)
Register on-line or by registration form.
NOTE: Also offered on Friday, October 22 at 2:00pm - 6:00pm |
Canine Cross Training: Foundation Skills for All Dogs
This hands-on workshop will give you the tools to teach your own Canine Cross Training classes. During this workshop we will work and play with shelter dogs and, using the tools of positive reinforcement, do some canine cross training. We'll discover what skills each dog already has. We will consider what we might teach, and, in the time we have, devise a training plan. We'll do some fun cross training exercises suitable for all dogs and immerse ourselves in dog behavior, learning and fun.
Concurrent Sessions: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Challenging Adolescents
Many of our clients acquire their dogs when they're adolescents. Many think they don't have to train them until they're older, or think they remember how to train them themselves! This session is about those dogs; the untrained, overly-excitable, bullying, suspicious, fearful, or shy adolescent. It is about how to help their owners teach them to be compliant, happy companions. The session will concentrate on practical tips, from improving management, to developing a relationship, and deciding which exercises might be most appropriate for those teenage dogs.
A Dog is a Terrible Thing to Waste: Behavior Problems and Solutions
The learner will develop an understanding of the theory behind common behavior modification techniques. Participants, given a hypothetical case problem, will be able to specify the most successful options for rehabilitation. Attendees will acquire skills for helping with problematic family dynamics.
Dogs are “wasted” every single day. They get dumped; they are left at shelters; they are killed or euthanized. Many dogs end up this way because of their behavior. Maybe they barked too much; maybe they destroyed the house; maybe they mouthed the kids; maybe they fought with other dogs; maybe they bit people. These are widespread behavior problems that seriously jeopardize the bond between a dog and his family. The good news is that rehabilitation does work! Through a selection of representative case studies, I’ll go through the “why” and “how” of various behavior modification procedures, like: desensitization, counter conditioning, response substitution, implosion therapy and punishment. Relying heavily on video footage, we’ll address such common concerns as: resource guarding, aggression to people, aggression to dogs, fear of strangers, noise phobias, and separation anxiety. This presentation is packed with information designed to save dogs from devastating behavior problems. However, no good rehabilitation program can work without buy-in from the family. The best behaviorists and trainers are the ones who build in the human element and don’t shy away from sticky family dynamics. Learn how to best explain problems and procedures, coach motor skills, and encourage compliance from families of behavior-problem dogs.
Go the Distance-Finishing the Job for "Real Life" Reliability
The objective of this presentation is to correct a commonly held conception that “dog friendly” training doesn’t achieve reliability. Strategies will be presented for “finishing the job” (reaching reliable responsiveness in “real life"), and relinquishing dependency on training tools such as head halters, food lures, clickers, and bait bags. Students will explore strategies that motivate them to train to fluency, generalization and reliability.
Attendees will also explore and evaluate setting up and using negative punishment to gain reliability in simple, and profoundly effective ways.
Whether training with food lures, a clicker, bait bag, head halter, or even (dare I say) collar “corrections," few students train to reliability without falling back on training tools for a response. Often students continue using tools and training strategies rather than completing the job by training to a reliable performance on and off-leash. In the absence of completed training, dogs are left at home, have to tolerate less-than-comfortable equipment, or may face relationship-damaging owner frustration and anger. Sometimes students lack motivation to finish the job, or simply don’t know how. This program will provide both motivating tools and information to achieve fluency, generalization and reliability.
Topics Include:
- What is reliability and what are reasonable expectations of reliability? Understanding the hierarchy of distractions, developing realistic expectations, and strategies to achieve reasonable goals.
- “Real life” classes; Training in public areas, city streets, dog-friendly businesses, outdoor cafés and the like bring the classroom into real life environments. Good for students, and great marketing!
- Eliminating tools; Head halters are a tool, not a solution. Dogs tolerate them, but few love them. Halters and other tools are a means to an end that few owners achieve.
- Lost Opportunity “punishment"; Strategies for setting up and using negative punishment to gently, quickly and profoundly impact dog learning and teaching students how to use it.
- Reinforcement for owners; Provide recognition and achievement opportunities such as Canine Good Citizens certification, APDT Rallies, and other possibilities that encourage real life training and reward students’ achievements.
Family Track
Family Friendly Dog Training: Overcoming Frustrations with Those Hapless Humans
Participants will be able to:
- Listen more effectively to their human clients.
- Engage the entire family more fully and enthusiastically in dog training.
- Overcome at least three common human-related problems in dog training.
Many trainers agree it’s not the dogs who present the greatest challenges in dog training. Owners can be frustrating when they are inconsistent, fail to follow through on recommendations, continue to use aversive methods, and seem to work in opposition to the training. Many dog owners blame the dog, expect the trainer to work “miracles", or think that the trainer can “fix” their dog with little or no work on their own part. Even so, most owners love their companion animals and want to be good stewards for them.
Changing human behavior is a complex task, requiring the cooperation of the person whose behavior must be changed. Even when owners wantto change their behaviors, it is not a simple task, as anyone who has tried to overcome a bad habit can attest.
This training covers human factors that can undermine the best training efforts. Using a hands-on workshop format, the presenter will discuss and demonstrate (via live role-play and video) effective training methods for use with families, including: effective listening, engaging owners in the process, lifestyle adaptations of training methods, using humor, and helping owners redefine training from a “chore” to an enjoyable “relationship-builder.” Attendees will have opportunities to practice some of the methods, with positive presenter feedback to illustrate the process further.
The session is drawn from the presenter’s years of experience helping medical patients comply with treatment, parents follow through on child/family therapy recommendations, and dog training and behavior consultation from a family perspective.
9:00am - 12:00pm
Pre-Registration Required
Admission is free but pre-registration is required.
Register with the APDT Rally Office. |
APDT Rally Sanctioned Judge's Seminar
Speaker TBD
This seminar is open to everyone! APDT Rally scoring guidelines, course design, general rules and guidelines will be covered in-depth. "How would you score this?" will use video clips for what will surely be a lively discussion on how to score errors as they occur! There will be ample time for Q&A. This seminar fulfills the continuing education requirement for trial officials. Exhibitors and the general public are invited to attend.
| Registrations for APDT Rally Sanctioned Judge's Seminar must be sent directly to the APDT Rally office. Please note: Registering for the seminar will not be considered registering for any additional conference activities - additional conference activities require registration through the conference registration office. |
12:00pm - 1:30pm
Lunch on Your Own
Hands-On Workshops
Polish Up Your Training Chops!
1:00pm - 5:00pm
Pre-Registration Required
Transportation Provided
Handlers - $90.00 (limit 48)
Observers - $50.00 (limit 12)
Register on-line or by registration form.
NOTE: Also offered on Friday, October 22 at 1:00pm – 5:00pm |
This Hands-On workshop offers a chance to polish your training chops working with dogs under the guidance of three skilled instructors. You will work with each speaker during this fast-paced workshop.
Learn how an accurate assessment of an individual dog’s needs, preferences, and sensory sorting can help you tailor your training approach and methods for the greatest success.
Practice providing a safe “off lead” environment anywhere, anytime, while promoting equipment-free training for that dog and handler.
Take home to your clients new techniques for teaching loose-lead walking. Sharpen your observation and handling skills to fine tune your timing and training choices. This workshop will polish your skills while putting some new tools in your training toolbox.
Concurrent Sessions: 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Family Track
Dealing with the Alpha
Appropriate handling of clients for maximum benefit to dog and humans
This session will focus on overcoming training preconceptions linked to the term "alpha" and how to lead clients towards true understanding of their dog and their relationship with it.
It's a rare client these days who doesn't bring up the term "alpha" in a consultation or training session. But, as we know, talking about who is "alpha" in a human/dog relationship is simplistic, and can lead to inappropriate behavior modification techniques or training. In this session, we will how to overcome preconceptions with regard to the structure desirable in a dog/human relationship, and practical ways to help clients get beyond it feeling judged. We'll also discuss its use and misuse in multiple dog households and in play groups or dog parks.
Improving Agility Handling Skills with Only One Jump
Agility fans will learn to teach the three crosses (front, rear, and blind), sending your dog ahead, tighter turns, changes of direction, keeping the bars up, stays at the starts, call offs, and more using only one jump.
Many agility lovers are faced with the problem of not having equipment or space at home to train. So how can you teach a dog all of those advanced handling skills with no access to equipment? Jean has met folks from all over the country that don't have easy access to agility equipment either. That is when she developed an entire training protocol that can be done with one jump or in many cases none.
Veterinary Use of Behavioral Drugs: A Review of Drug Studies
Barbara Sherman, MS, PhD, DVM, DACVB, ABS-CAAB
Participants will be taught to be aware of the most commonly prescribed behavioral drugs, to understand the major behavior problems for which veterinarians prescribe behavioral drugs, and to understand the general conclusions drawn from clinical studies of behavioral drugs.
Behavioral drugs may be prescribed by veterinarians to augment a behavioral treatment plan. In some cases, the use of behavioral drugs can speed up the rate of improvement and improve overall treatment success. Data will be presented that affirm the use of behavioral drugs for treating specific behavior problems of dogs.
Putting Publications to Work for You
The participant will be able to list two strengths and two weaknesses for a study used in dog training and behavior research. The participant will be able to describe at least one requirement for deciding if the results of a study could be applied to their training setting.
How do we learn about new information in the field? Common methods are going to conferences and reading articles. How can you tell if the article and the research it describes are well done and therefore, likely to be helpful? How do you find out if there have been some publications on a particular topic? This session is designed to find and evaluate several articles from recent dog training and behavior literature. These articles will serve as examples to illustrate major strengths and weaknesses of common types of research studies. This will help you be able to interpret and apply the results of studies more appropriately.
Interactive Workshop
Pre-Registration Required
Participants - $25.00 (limit 50)
Register on-line or by registration form. |
Em, Marketing!
Attendees will understand what makes a strong marketing message. Participants will learn to choose marketing projects that are the right match for their businesses, and develop an understanding of the need for, and basics of, maintaining a marketing calendar.
Are you ready to step up your marketing game but not sure how to begin? Join Veronica Boutelle and Gina Phairas of dogTEC for a hands-on marketing workshop.
Learn what makes an effective marketing plan, then find the building blocks of your marketing message. Discover how to choose personalized marketing projects, and begin your own marketing calendar. Start planning for a successful 2011 at this year’s conference.
Interactive Workshop
Pre-Registration Required
Transportation Provided
Participants - $40.00 (limit 20)
Register on-line or by registration form.
NOTE: Also offered on Sunday October 24 at 9:00am – 12:00pm |
Speak-Up! Media Training
Participants will learn proper, effective ways to get their message to media outlets, to professionally participate in interviews, and how to prevent common errors in handling challenging interviews.
The newspaper wants a quote. The TV station has asked for a live interview. Great news? Or time to panic? This workshop will help you get started interacting with your community's media and help ease your nerves about working with reporters and appearing on camera. Connecting with your local media outlets is just the beginning. You need to make a good impression so they come back to you again and again. If you get called to appear on camera, are you ready? What do you wear? How can you avoid embarrassing yourself? Should you appear with a dog or not? What should you do when a reporter takes the interview in a direction you didn't expect, or want?
You need to set yourself apart in order to attract the attention of reporters. Today's newspaper industry faces major cutbacks and layoffs. Veteran reporters are unemployed, while inexperienced freelance writers are crafting the headlines. How can you promote your business or share your message in this climate? This workshop will cover how to get your foot in the door. This workshop is for those of you who are just getting started working with the media, or those of you who want to get started! Nervous? Don't think you can do it? You can. You'll get practical tips on presenting yourself professionally and effectively on camera. We'll cover common errors and how to avoid them. We'll troubleshoot interviews so you keep your calm when things go in unexpected directions. This is an interactive workshop, participants will work on camera in a practice interview. You'll practice when it's fun and relaxed, so you'll nail your interviews when it counts!
Concurrent Sessions: 3:30pm - 5:00pm
K9 Nose Work
The objective of this session is to introduce the sport of K9 Nose Work and overview the concepts behind it. Attendees will learn why and how to apply the core fundamentals of this sport to animals from shelter/rescue dogs to sport competitors as a tool for building confidence and skills in both the dog and handler. Participants will build awareness of the behavior observation skills necessary to the sport, and its benefits for students and instructors. We will discuss how to get started in K9 Nose Work and how to integrate it in an already established training program. An introduction to the elements of K9 Nose Work competition and the National Association of Canine Scent Work will also be presented.
The core concept of K9 Nose Work is about providing a game and environment that allows dogs to access and explore their natural skills through self-discovery and rewards. The introductory K9 Nose Work class starts with basic, easy to grasp ideas that require no previous training skills for participation and thereby have the potential to reach the greatest number of dogs and people. Video clips highlight elements necessary for introducing the game across a large variety of dogs and handlers in both a class setting and for dogs in the shelter/rescue environment. As skills develop, many participants look for challenges for themselves and their canine companions beyond the Nose Work basics. The sport of K9 Nose Work has much to offer for the competition-minded dog enthusiast wishing to pursue the more advanced elements within the sport, including vehicle, building and exterior searches. From box drill basics, to building searches, and everything in between, K9 Nose Work offers something for everybody.
What's the Name of the Game?: Using Games In The Classroom To Build Reliable Behaviors, Increase Owner Participation And Create BIG FUN!
Participants will learn the benefits of including games in their classes through the use of video examples. They will be taught different games to use for teaching and proofing specific behaviors. The challenges that can come up from having games in class are also looked at, and step-by-step suggestions are given to work through these.
Trainers tend to not use games in classes because of the assumption that obedience curriculum has to be objective focused instead of experience focused. It’s our job as trainers to ensure that clients have an experience with their dogs that will be fun, interactive, and educational. Introducing games into classes achieves several different objectives that can help trainers meet this goal. This includes creating “friendly” competition between clients to increase owner participation, creating a wide variety of opportunities for dogs to build reliable behaviors, and bringing a fun, relaxed, and engaging atmosphere to classroom, that encourages a closer bond between handler and dog. There will be plenty of video examples demonstrating the types of games you can bring into your classrooms. We will show real-life examples of how adding games produce positive results, and how a client who is being entertained while learning, is a client who will return again and again.
How Veterinary Behaviorists and Trainers Can Work Together
Barbara Sherman, MS, PhD, DVM, DACVB, ABS-CAAB
Participants will learn to recognize indications for referral to veterinary behaviorists of dogs with behavior problems, and learn ways that trainers can work with veterinary behaviorists to implement recommended behavior modification protocols.
From the trainer’s perspective, certain canine behavior problems benefit from the expertise of a veterinary behaviorist. These include behavior problems with an underlying medical or neurological component or cases of anxiety or compulsiveness that would benefit from behavioral medication. From a veterinary behaviorist’s perspective, certain treatment protocols would benefit from the expertise of a reward-based trainer. These include desensitization/counterconditioning protocols or graduated departures. Case examples will demonstrate how veterinary behaviorists and APDT trainers can work together for the best treatment of dogs with behavior problems.
Damaged Goods: Working with Puppy Mill Dogs
Attendees will learn about a range of behavior problems commonly exhibited by dogs rescued from puppy mills: fear of people, fear of going outside, handling sensitivity and housetraining challenges. Attendees will recognize the importance of setting realistic expectations and setting modest training timelines. Attendees will be introduced to specific treatment protocols and management solutions to offer clients who have adopted puppy mill dogs.
As our country becomes more and more aware of puppy mills, and as humane organizations fight to shut them down, trainers may see an increasing number of new owners reaching out for help. Well-meaning people are delighted to give puppy mill dogs a new lease on life, but during their first few months with their new dogs, they’ll likely encounter a number of challenges. Trading the stark environment of a puppy mill for a world full of novel sights, sounds and sensations may be tremendously overwhelming for a puppy mill rescue. Many are afraid of all things unfamiliar; including their new owners. Many have difficulty with housetraining, especially if they’ve spent much of their lives in small confinement spaces. During this talk, we’ll discuss the specific challenges faced by those who have adopted puppy mill dogs and strategies for resolving these challenges. Attendees will learn about setting expectations for new owners, leash training, housetraining, and gradually overcoming puppy mill dogs’ fearful reactions to new people, places and experiences. Video footage will illustrate various treatment exercises presented during the talk.
Sunday, October 24
Live-Demo Workshop
Feisty Fidos® Reintegrating Them into the Canine Community
Pia Silvani, CPDT-KA
8:00pm - 12:00pm
Pre-Registration Required
Transportation Provided
Observers - $65.00 (limit 55)
Register on-line or by registration form.
NOTE: Also offered on Sunday, October 24 at 9:00am – 1:00pm |
Owning an aggressive dog is very disturbing to owners. It can also be a difficult problem to resolve. People are embarrassed and do not know what to do when their dog is lunging at another dog. Consequently, many of these dogs are isolated from other dogs for the rest of their lives, surrendered to shelters, or euthanized.
Over the past decade, Pia has seen an increase in the number of dog-to-dog aggression cases. Why is there an increase? Can these dogs ever be re-introduced into the canine community? Is this what the owner really wants, or do they just want to be able to take their dog into public with some confidence that fights will not occur?
Obviously, these dogs cannot go into our main stream classes since they can be a disruption to other dogs and people. The client may be embarrassed by the way the dog is behaving and drop out, or the learning process may be inhibited as a result of the arousal and stress level of the dog. It is our job, as trainers, to help these clients find a way to help their loving pet in order to avoid relinquishments to shelters. These dogs are typically emotionally and physically stretched beyond what the average dog owner will ever understand. They need our help! If we do not give them guidance and proper outlets, the chances of these dogs living their lives in solitude increase.
If you conduct a reactive dog class or are thinking about introducing one into your programs, you will want to attend this workshop. Pia has been conducting Feisty Fidos® classes for over 10 years, with great success. This workshop will give you an opportunity to watch and learn as Pia demonstrates some of the exercises taught in her classes with dogs that are “feisty." There will be plenty of time to ask questions and gather new ideas.
Interactive Workshop
Pre-Registration Required
Transportation Provided
Participants - $40.00 (limit 20)
Register on-line or by registration form.
NOTE: Also offered on Saturday October 23 at 1:30pm - 5:00pm |
Speak-Up! Media Training
Participants will learn proper, effective ways to get their message to media outlets, to professionally participate in interviews, and how to prevent common errors in handling challenging interviews.
The newspaper wants a quote. The TV station has asked for a live interview. Great news? Or time to panic? This workshop will help you get started interacting with your community's media and help ease your nerves about working with reporters and appearing on camera. Connecting with your local media outlets is just the beginning. You need to make a good impression so they come back to you again and again. If you get called to appear on camera, are you ready? What do you wear? How can you avoid embarrassing yourself? Should you appear with a dog or not? What should you do when a reporter takes the interview in a direction you didn't expect, or want?
You need to set yourself apart in order to attract the attention of reporters. Today's newspaper industry faces major cutbacks and layoffs. Veteran reporters are unemployed, while inexperienced freelance writers are crafting the headlines. How can you promote your business or share your message in this climate? This workshop will cover how to get your foot in the door. This workshop is for those of you who are just getting started working with the media, or those of you who want to get started! Nervous? Don't think you can do it? You can. You'll get practical tips on presenting yourself professionally and effectively on camera. We'll cover common errors and how to avoid them. We'll troubleshoot interviews so you keep your calm when things go in unexpected directions. This is an interactive workshop, participants will work on camera in a practice interview. You'll practice when it's fun and relaxed, so you'll nail your interviews when it counts!
Concurrent Sessions: 9:00am - 10:30am
Treat/Retreat: Using Autonomy and Safety to Create Confidence and Skill for the Shy/Fearful Dog
Attendees will learn to understand critical zones, stress, fear, pressure, autonomy and safety as they relate to a dog’s confidence and ability to learn. Participants will develop an understanding of specific techniques for working in an effective, humane way with fearful dogs to develop greeting skills.
Treat/Retreat is my adaptation of and embellishments on Dr. Dunbar’s original “retreat with honor." Treat/Retreat is not about saving face or avoiding conflict; the emphasis is on maintaining an environment of autonomy and safety for the shy/fearful dog in all dog/human interactions. Using the individual dog’s behavior as a guide, Treat/Retreat rapidly builds the shy or fearful dog’s confidence in approaching and interacting with strangers, eventually extending to contact with them. What begins as a one-on-one interaction can become a volitional interaction with groups and even close physical contact with strangers. Treat/Retreat is an effective technique easily applied with a few basic rules about honoring the dog’s perspective and reactions. Because the dog is in control of his own body and responses, and truly free to choose, this intrinsically motivated learning is – in my experience - quickly generalized, has “buffer” room for errors without undermining the successes, and is retained for long periods. Discussion and video will help trainers discover a new way to help fearful dogs learn the skills needed to approach people with confidence. Applicable in group or private settings, Treat/Retreat is a “must have” for any trainer’s toolbox.
Making Your Night Job Your Day Job
Participants will learn how to assess the feasibility of their business fully supporting them, and ways to organize their services to increase revenue potential. They will also learn how to create and implement a transition plan to move from part to full time dog training. Attendees will learn basic marketing principles to support their transition and the continued growth of their business.
A very large percentage of highly skilled trainers continue to work part- or full-time jobs while training nights and weekends. This contributes to trainer burn out and limits the number of dogs’ and owners’ lives they can impact. It’s a pervasive belief in our industry that trainers “can’t make real money” training full time, fortunately, this is simply not true. This presentation aims to give attendees simple, concrete steps they can take to move themselves into a full time, professional dog training career. It will cover: How to run the numbers to assess the feasibility of operating a particular business to produce the revenue needed to replace outside income. How to create and implement a well-constructed and safe transition plan to move from outside employment to running one’s own business full time. How to effectively use marketing strategies that support a transition plan, and a continuing viable business. An emphasis is placed on marketing on a shoe string budget and organizing services to maximize revenue and provide better results for dogs and their guardians.
Canine Cross Training Classes: Beyond Sit, Down, Stay and Come
Canine cross training classes turn pet owners into enthusiastic dog trainers. Not only are classes great fun for instructors, clients and their dogs, they are profitable for you, the instructor and a complete win/ win for your clients and their dogs. Cross training builds attention, self control, mental stamina and confidence as well as developing body awareness, flexibility, coordination and adaptability.
Through video, Leslie will share with participants the skills she teaches and the tools she uses to bring out the best in every dog.
Interactive Workshop
Pre-Registration Required
Participants - $25.00 (limit 50)
Register on-line or by registration form. |
Full Moons and Devil Dogs
Participant trainers will learn to develop skills to deal with problem humans and canines. Attendees will discuss different scenarios of problem students in group classes and private lessons.
This lecture will help you develop solutions for dealing with difficult pet owners and pets. We will cover what to do when a student comes to class belligerent and drunk, and how to deal with situations where a dog or person is bit by a dog in class. We will discuss dogs that may get loose and run off in an outdoor class. We will provide suggestions to help deal with owners that hit or abuse a dog, fight with you over equipment/methodology, and who can't take direction. Other situations will be covered such as: The class where the people seem to be asleep and the dogs keep forgetting, showing up at someone’s house for a private lesson and they’re not there, or showing up for a lesson to find the dog in the yard off‐leash.
This will be an interactive session, where attendees can add to the suggested solutions and share their own night‐mare scenarios. Trainers will take away easy solutions for common situations, and probably some not‐so‐common ones as well. This promises to be a fun stress‐reliever with lots of stories we can all relate to, and hopefully laugh at.
Concurrent Sessions: 10:45am - 12:00pm
Family Track
Who is Watching the Kids? Learning HOW to Supervise
Participants will develop an understanding of typical kid-and-dog interactions and how far they can be from “ideal.” We will examine specific signals you can teach your clients to readily identify unsafe interactions. Attendees will learn why all dog owners need to be taught this, even if they don't have children.
Over and over, parents are told to supervise their kids around dogs, but do parents actually understand what that means? Few parents know what to do when their baby is crawling toward the dog, or when their five-year-old invites a friend over and the dog gets too excited, or when their eight-year-old’s scout troop has a meeting at their house and the dog is grabbing all the craft materials. Life with kids is an ever-changing environment that can be very challenging for the family dog. Effective supervision requires knowing what to look for and when to intervene. While this is not intuitive, it’s also not hard to learn. By dividing behavior into three distinct categories: green = enjoyment, yellow = tolerance, and red = enough already; you’ll always know what to do next. This presentation will give attendees the skills to not only recognize trouble signs, but also prepare them to teach others this vital information in simple, easy, and quick ways.
Two Dogs Walk Into a Bar: Using Humor Effectively to Enhance Your Group Classes
You will learn how to find your inner funny bone, professional-comedian tested techniques of using humor fearlessly, and how to maintain class control and attention in a creative learning environment.
Humor is effective because laughter is a universal language, it eases tension and stress, aids in memory retention, and thwarts boredom.
This presentation will differentiate different forms and types of humor; anecdotes (stories that help you make a point), asides (thoughts that come to mind), banter (good-natured teasing back and forth), blunders (calling attention to mistakes), jokes (short stories with a funny, climactic twist), wisecracks (clever remarks), and wit (sudden sharpness and quick perception).
You will learn how to use humor in your classes. You will be taught to choose a humor style comfortable for you, to keep a “funny bone” journal, and the importance of laughing with, not at, your students. The presentation will discuss how to use humor as a diversion, keep the humor relevant, and to speak the “native tongue”. You will learn that less is more, humor must come from the heart, and the appropriate use of body language and facial expressions. To use humor effectively you sometimes need to target yourself, and encourage reciprocal humor. You will be introduced to “Look Who’s Talking” humor (showing the dog’s point of view). You will learn to field test your material on a willing critic, to begin and/or end each class with humor, and be given tips on how to not be afraid of looking foolish.
The presentation will cover common pitfalls and things to avoid; Never be disrespectful, stay away from sex, illegal activities, politics, religion, and ethnicity. Humor should always be positive reinforcement, never positive punishment.
The presentation will include an improvisational exercise, "Whose Line is it Anyway?". Participants will be separated into groups of “students” and "instructors". They will be given everyday dog training scenarios, and make them funny! Volunteers will be selected to share their improvisational skits with all the participants.
But he Can do it at Home…No Really He Can!
Participants will learn to bridge the training gap between practice and competition and understanding what can trigger unwanted competition behaviors.
We all hear far too many stories of dogs that can perform like a star at home, but as soon as they are faced with any new distractions (places, people, sound, etc), things start to fall apart. In this workshop we will discuss: how and when to use distraction training, the pitfalls of over using them, how to judge if your dog is over stimulated or stressed in different settings, and ways to avoid ring stress for both dog and handler.
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Lunch on Your Own
Closing Session: 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Title TBD
Dr. Grandin is a Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University, a bestselling author and a consultant in animal behavior. As a person with high-functioning autism, Dr. Grandin is considered a philosophical leader of both the animal welfare and autism advocacy movements.
